Classification

The refined VDP.CLASSIFICATION is not part of the official German wine law but rather an in-house statute of Gemany’s Prädikat wine estates in which the quality of a wine is defined according to “terroir,” i.e., origin and quality are inherently linked.

VDP Classificationpyramid

VDP.GROSSE LAGE – The peak of the pyramid

VDP.GROSSE LAGE designates the very best vineyards of Germany, within which the finest parcels have been narrowly demarcated. With their site-specific characteristics, these wines are particularly expressive and have exceptional aging potential. They are planted with traditional varieties best suited to a particular site, as determined by each region.

VDP.ORTSWEIN –Sourced from superior soils

VDP.ORTSWEINE, or village wines, originate from a village’s good, traditional vineyards that are planted with grape varieties typical of their region. Yield restrictions are also a criterion for wines of this category.

VDP.GUTSWEIN – Good from the ground up

VDP.GUTSWEINE, or regional wines, originate from an estate’s holdings within a region. They are entry-level house wines that meet the general quality standards prescribed by the VDP and provide a good introduction to the VDP’s hierarchy that inherently links wine quality with origin